COC Student Arrested for Allegedly Videotaping in Locker Room

L.A. County Sheriff’s Department arrested one COC student Monday night after a 12-year-old boy reported to school security that he saw a man with a camera filming him showering in the locker rooms of the athletic facility.

The school released the information through an official statement Friday.

Daniel Donovan, 32, was charged with two counts of disorderly conduct in a public restroom and one count of possession of child pornography. The Canyon Country resident’s bail was set at $45,000.

The boy, who was using the college’s swimming facilities, ran out of the locker room after he saw Donovan and quickly informed one of his swim coaches, who then contacted campus police about the incident. Authorities later found child pornography in his vehicle parked at the school.

“Since we are an open access campus, it’s always important for us to remain vigilant, and to report suspicious activity,” the school stated in an official release. “The young member of the Canyons Aquatics program especially should be commended for doing the right thing by immediately notifying an adult.”

COC instructor Ron Mita, who also serves as president of the Canyons Aquatic Club, said that the child’s parents claim that he is okay and is not rattled by the incident.

“He’s a sharp kid. He knew something was wrong when it was happening and took care of it,” Mita said.

Mita added that CAC encourages the children to shower at home.

The Sheriff’s Department believes there may be other victims, and are urging Santa Clarita residents to help identify anyone else who may have been videotaped. Those with information are asked to call the Special Victim’s Bureau hotline at 877-710-LASD (5273).